Container-capping machine



Jan. l1., 1927.

T. E. PENNOCK ET Al.

CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE Filed Jan. 13. 1920' 7 Sheets-SheeI l Jan. 1l 1927. 1,614,042

T. E. PENNOCK ET AL CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE Filed Jan. l5. 1920 7 Sheets-Shef 2 zfw" ATTORNEY Jan' 11 1927' T. E. PENNOCK ET'AL CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15. 1920 7 Sheets-'Shee't 5 wwf.,

Jan. ll 1927. 1,614,042

T. E. PENNocK ET Az.A

CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE Filed Jan. 1s, 1920 v sheets-sheet' 4 #6dr ATTORNEY Jan.` l1 1927.

T. E. PENNocK ETAT.

CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE Filed Jan. 13 1920 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORs Jan. 1l 1927. 1,614,042 T. E. PENNOCK ET An.

CONTAINER CAPPI NG MACHINE Filed Jan. 13, 1920 '7 Sheets-Sheet' 6 Mez/"ATTORNEY Jan. 11 1927.

T. E. PENNOCK ET AL CONTAINER CAPPING MACHINE Patented Jan. 11, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. d

THEODORE E. PENNOCK AND MAHLON H. GREGG, 0F ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, AS-

SIGNORS TO STANDARD AUTOMATIC MACHINE COMPANY, 0F ROCHESTER, NEW

YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

i CONTAINER-CAPPING MACHINE.

Application filed January 13, 1920. Serial No. 351,092.

This invention relates to container closing apparatus, and, more particularly, to niachines for automatically applying a closure A further object is the provision in such a machine, when used for applying screw closures or caps, of advantageous means for accomplishing.. a tension relieving slippage of the operating parts when the closure 1s fully turned home, and for affording a convenient adjustment of the closure screwing force for different forms of containeigs and closures handled. To these and other ends the invention consists in certain improvements and combinations of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a machine embodying the present invention.

Figure 2 is a similar view from the rear of the machine.

Figure 3 is a top plan View of the same.

Figure 4`is an elevation of the left hand end of the machine, showing the main frame and a portion of the driving mechanism.

Figure 5 is a section on the line 5**--5a of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a similar view but taken on the line 7a--7 of Figure l.

Figure 8 is a detail elevation partly in section of a clutch mechanism for controlling the rotary actuation of the cap engaging device or chuck.

Figure 9 is a section on the line Sla-9 8 of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a detail view substantially on the line 10a-10a of Figure 2.

Figure 11 is a section on the line 11;*--11EL of Figure 1 showing the parts in one position of operation.

a sect-ionon the line (Sa-tia of Figure 12 is'a similar View showing the saine parts in a different position.

Figure 13 is a section on the line 13-13 of Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a section on the line 1414 of Figure 12.

,Figure 15 is a bottom plan view ofthe cap chuck. l

Figure 16 is a fragmentary side elevation of the same.

Similar reference characters throughout the several views indicate the same parts.

This invention, in one of the possible embodiinents` thereof selected for the purposes of the present disclosure, comprises a container closing or capping machine suitable for use either as a separate unit or in conjunction with a container filling machine and adapted to receive a supply of filled container-.s and caps, and to automatically apply the latter. The present embodiment of the invention is particularly adapted to apply threaded or screw caps, but many of its features are capable `of general application. The machine comprises, in general, an intermittently movable conveyor carrying the containers successively through the machine, and container holding means for clamping the containers in a stationary operating position, together with mechanism for automatically feeding caps to a cap engag-ing device or chuck which is stationarily located adjacent the operating position and is reciprocated to engage the-cap and subsequently screw it on the container, after which the cap is released and the chuck returned to initial position. The container is then freed and replaced by another for a repetition of the operation. The more detailed features of the construction and mode of operation. of the machine will fully appear as the description proceeds.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a main supporting frame, including a bed 20, of substantially rectangular shape supported at its corners on legs 21, on which and on a bracket 22 depending from the bed is carried the driving mechanism. Brace rods 23 connect and support the legs on opposite sides of the machine.

Rising from the bed 20 of the machine are a plurality of rods 24 having adjustably fixed thereon as by means of nuts 24'l a track 25 supporting from below a conveyor or belt 26 passing at the opposite ends of the machine about pulleys 27 mounted on shafts 28 journaled at their ends in brackets 29 fixed on the legs of the frame, the lower run of the belt passing over tension rollers '30 rotating on spindles 3l adjustably carried on bolts 32 threadedly supported in upstanding lugs ou bearing blocks 33 on the upper surface of brackets 29, these rollers forming means by the horizontalv adjustment of which the tension of the belt may be regulated. Intermediate the rollers the belt passes under guide rollers 34.

The containers are indicated at 35 as being carried by the conveyor successively t0- ward the capping mechanism in a sin le row in which they are maintained and guided by rails 36 removably carried on the up er ends of rods 24, interchangeable rails of ifferent widths being selective-ly used, depending upon the width of the particular containers operated upon, to confine them accurately to the proper path.

The bed of the machine is preferably provided at its rear side with a standard 37 having guideways 38v in which is supported by means of gibs 39 a vertically reciprocating plate 40 actuated by means described hereafter and carrying the capping mechanism. Fixed on the upper end of plate 40 preferably by means of bolts 41 is a double head 42 havlng anges 43 supported by the bolts. Rotating in a bearing in the front head is a rotary member or sleeve 44, Figures 11 and 12, on the upper end of which is a gear 45 supporting the sleeve against downward movement in its bearing and rotated intermittently by means presently to be described. This gear has formed in its upper face a bearing Surface 46 with which engages a corresponding bearing surface on a collar 47 having adjustable threaded engagement with the outer circumference of a tubular member 48 forming the capping device and supporting the cap engaging device or chuck. Sleeve 44 is formed with keyways 49 in which loosely engage keys 50 fixed on the circumference of member 48, there being sufficient play between the keys and the bottom of the keyways to permit the tubular member 48 to have a limited universal movement on the bearing surface 46. This provides means for rotating and for loosely or floatingly supportingpthe capping device with the operation of the machine.

permitting it tornove longitudinally an to have a transverse centering action when engaging the cap and when placing the latter on a containen* Tubular member 48 preferably has an inl terior bore 51 with a lower portion 52 of reduced diameter. Closely fitting in the reduced portion of the bore is an enlarged lower portion 53 of a spindle 54 which has a vertical sliding movement in the tubular member, being guided adjacent its upper end in an opening in a collar 55 threadedly engaging the interior of the upper end of the tubular member. Fixed on the spindle within the bore is a collar 56 between which and the shoulder at the reduced portion of the bore is a compression spring 57 coiled about the spindle and normally maintaining the latter in raised position with collars 55 and 56 in engagement with each other. The lower end of the enlarged portion 53 at the bottom of the spindle is tapered in diameter to form a substantially coneshaped cam or wedge 58, serving to operate the parts or jaws of the cap engaging device or chuck, as will later appear.

The cap engaging device or chuck comprises preferably an enlarged lower end 59 of the tubular member 48 having formed therein preferably T-shaped slots 60, Figures 15 and 16, in which are guided for sliding movement radially of the member a plurality of heads 61 carrying jaws 62 having corrugated internal gripping surfaces extending about the greater part of the circumference of a circle. While three such jaws are shown in the present instance, it is apparent that this number may be varied, as well as the form of each jaw, to adapt the machine to caps of various dimensions and shapes. The jaws are formed with vertical slots 63 in which engage the lower reduced ends of actuating levers 64, located in slots 65 in the sides of the tubular member, each lever'being pivoted` on the pin 66 supported, in the sides 67 of the slot. As shown in Figures 11 and 12 the chuck levers extend upwardly above their pivotal supports and bear at their upper ends against the cam surface 58 of spindle 54, it being evident ythat as the spindle is lowered, relatively to the tubular member, the chuck jaws are forced inwardly to grip a cap, springs 68 being provided between the lower ends of the jaws and the member for opening the chuck when the spindle 54 is raised, the upper ends of the levers being constantly in engagement with the cam. Levers 64 are preferably of considerable length and formed of resilient material so as to yield when forced into engagement with la cap of-larger diameter than that for which they are adapted. Thus the inaccuracies in the diameters of the caps, frequently occurring in the' run of stock, do not break the levers or otherwise interfere head. The opposite end of the lever has forked ends 74 similarly engaging between spaced collars 75 fixed on the upper end of a spindle 7 6 extending downwardly through a bearing 77 on the head and into engagement below the bed of the machine wit actuating means presently to be described, for imparting to the spindle a vertical reciprocatmg movement relatively to the capping mechanism.-

In the rear capping mechanism head 42 there is preferably provided a gear 78, Figure 11, meshing with gear 45 and fixed by means of a key 79 on a sleeve 80 formed concentrically with a. substantially coneshaped bore in which is adapted to tit a correspondingly formed part 81. One or both of these cone-shaped parts are provided with a suitable frictional surface 82, thus forming a friction clutch for driving the gear, the clutch lpart 81 being secured on the upper end of a vertical spindle 83 by means of an adjusting nut 84 threaded on the spindle and having external threads engaging in a threaded bore in the clutch part. This clutch forms a means for driving the gear from the spindle and thereby driving gear 45 to rotate its sleeve'and the tubular member carrying the chuck for screwing the cap on the container, the clutch bein@r adapted by its construction to slip and yied when thecap is fully turned home or engaged, thus insuring a full engagement of the cap without any danger ofbreakage of the mechanism, and the turning force applied to the cap may be regulated by adjusting the nut 84 to vary the pressure between the clutch parts. Below its bearing in the casing of head 42, spindle 83 has lixed thereon a collar 84 between which and the casing is provided a roller bearing 85 to support any thrust exerted longitudinally of the spindle by the action of the cone clutch. The spindle is splined at its lower end in a bearing sleeve 86 rotating in a bearing 87 in the bed of the frame, longitudinal movement of the sleeve in its bearing being prevented by a nut 88 on the sleeve above the bearing and by a clutch part 89 formed at the lower end of the sleeve to cooperate with a similar clutch part 90 movable into engagement with it from below,'a roller bearing 91 between clutch part 89 and its bearing in the bed supporting the thrust of the lower clutch part. The latter is splined on a spindle 92 and is movable thereon into and out of engagement with its coacting part by means of a lever 93 having a bifurcated end engaging the clutch part 90 in any suitable manner, and being pivotally supported adjacent itsjcenter on a pin 94 carried in the lower forked end of a ug 95 depending from the bed. At its opposite end lever 93 is pivotally connected with a rod 96 actuated by parts later to be described, the vertical reciprocation of the rod serving to container. A spring 97 on spindle 92 acts to engage the clutch parts, which are disengaged by intermittent movement of the lever.

The means for holdmg the container being capped in operating position comprises preferably a plate 98 (Fioures 11 and 13) having a facing of any yie ding material suitable for .frictionally engaging the container, with which cooperates a foot 99 engaging the op posite side of the container and provided with a similar yielding facing 100 adapted to grip and frictionally bind the container without injury to the latter. The foot is carried at the inner end of a plate 101 sliding in suitable guidcways 102 on a standard 102 on the. bed of the machine, the slide being provided with spaced lugs 103 and 104, the latter of which has a threaded opening receiving the threaded end of a spindle 105, the opposite end of which has a sliding bearing in an opening in lug 103. Adjacent lug 104 the spindle carries a nut 106 and coiled about the spindle and bearing at one end against the nut is a spring 106a pressing at its opposite end against a yoke 107 embracing the spindle and carried by a substantially vertical lever 108 supported and reciprocated by parts presently to be described, it being apparent that as the lever is rocked to carry its upper end inwardly, yoke 107, by means of the spring, moves slide 101 and the clamping foot carried thereby yieldably inwardly to clamp the container against plate 98 in position for the application of a cap. Upon movement of the lever in the opposite direction, yoke 107, engaging lug 103 on the slide, withdraws the clamping foot and releases the container so that it may be replaced by another. Spindle carries at its forward end a hand wheel 109 by means of which it may be rotatably adjusted in lug 104 thereby adjusting the position of nut 106 and the tension of the spring to regulate the 'force with which the container is clamped. The same adjustment may be obtained by turning nut 105 on the spindle, and when it is desired to manually withdraw the foot for any purpose this may be accomplished by pulling wheel 109 outwardly against the tension of the spring.

The feeding means for automatically supplying caps in position to be engaged by the cap chuck during the vertical movement of the capping mechanism, comprises, preferably, a horizontally reciprocating carrier l110 having one or more bosses 111 on which a cap is placed and retained in position for cooperation with the chuck. The caps may be placed on the boss by any suitable automatic device or this may be accomplished by su v hand as desired, the caps being thus positioned when the carrier is reciprocated toward the right from the position shown in Figure 1. The carrier is supported on a 5 horizontaily sliding plate 112 supported inv guideways 112vbl ou standard 37. The plate has pivotally secured at one end of its rear side a bolt 113 slidably engaging a Substantially vertical slot 114 in the upper end of a reciprocating lever 115 having a hub 116 carried on a shaft 117 supported at its ends in bearings on the legs of the main frame. Lever 115 is rocked by actuating mechanism described later on, a spring 118 (Figure 2) attached to the machine frame and to the lever, urging the latter toward the left as seen in Figure 1, to carry a lug 119 on the left hand end of plate 112 into engagement with an adjustable stop 120 on Standard 37. By adjusting the stop the cap carrier may be arrested during each actuation thereof with its boss 111 in vertical registry with the cap chuck so that as the latter is brought downwardly by the cappingmechanism it may engage and lift the cap to clear the boss after which the carrier is rocked toward the right out of the path of the capping device which subsequently moves downwardly to apply the cap to the container.

The parts described above are actuated by means supported on the legs of the main frame, and while this actuating means may, of course, be driven in various Ways, there is shown in the present instance a support 121 carried on the front and rear legs at the left hand end of the machine on which is mounted an electric motor 122 the shaft of which has fixed thereon a pinion 123 meshing with a gear 124 rotatably supported on a shaft 125 supported in suitable bearings in the rear legs of the frame and in the depending bracket 22. Gear 124 drives a gear 126 fixed on a shaft 127 journaled at its ends in the rear legs of the frame and also in the bracket 22. Shaft 127 is provided with a plurality bot cams fixed thereon, one for actuating each of the various parts of the machine described above. One of these cams 128 has a cooperating roiler 129 journaled intermediate the ends of a lever 130 pivotally supported on a shaft 131 on the frame. Pivotally connected with the opposite end of the lever is a link 132 the opposite end of which is pivotally connected in turn with the' lower end 133 ot' the plate 40 carrying the capping shaft 127 with which cooperates a roller 135 journalcd on a lever 136 pivotally supported on shaft 131. Pivotally connected with the opposite end of the lever is a link 137 pivotally engaging which are a pair of links 138 pivotally connected in turn with the lower arm of lever 115. During each rotation of shaft 127 this cam serves to slide the cap carrier toward the left as seen in Figure 1 to place a cap in position for engagement by the cap chuck after which the carrier is oscilated toward the right to receive another cap and to permit the capping mechanism to continue its downward movement for capping the container. Spring 118 previously described as urging lever 115 toward the lett also serves to maintain the roller 135 iu engagement with the cam or as near thereto as the adjustment of stop 120 permits.

The actuating means for the cap chuck spindle. 54 comprises a cam 139 on the cam shaft having a roller follower 140 journaled ona lever 141 having a pivotal bearing on shaft 131 and provided at its opposite end with a link 142 pivotally connected therewith and with the lower end of spindle 76 for reciprocating the latter vertically for operating spindle 54 and the chuck jaws in the manner described. A spring 142l on spindle 76 between bearing 77 thereof and a collar 142b fixed on the spindle tends to counteract the weight of the capping device and .maintain the follower 140 in contact with its cam 139.

r1`he container clamping means is actuated by a cam 143 on the cam shaft with the periphery of which engages a roller 144 jQurnaled in the lower end of lever 108 pivotally supported on shaft 131 and connected at its upper end with the clamping shoe as described above. Each rotation of the cam moves the shoe inwardly under the yielding actuation of spring 106a to clamp a container in operating position and after the cap has been applied, the foot is retracted and the container released. A spring 145 fixed to the frame and to the lower end of lever 108 serves the double purpose of maintaining the roller in contact with-the cam and the clamping foot normally in retracted position.

The actuating means for controlling thel periphery of the cam 146. Once during each rotation of the cam the high portion thereof moves link 96 upwardly and discngages the driving clutch so that the chuck is rotated during the portion only of each operation in which a cap is in engagement with the container for turning the cap home.

The means for imparting continuous rotation to shaft 92 for rotating the chuck comprises a gear 151 rotating on a Stub shaft 152 on bracket 22 (Figure 5) which gear is driven by the gear 150 and drives a gear 153 fixed on a shaft 154 vjournaled at its ends in one of the legs of the frame and in bracket 22, the lat-ter shaft operating to drive the container conveyor by means described later. Rotating on stub shaft 152 and fixed to gear 151 is gear 156 meshing with a gear 157 fixed on the shaft 125 previously described. The latter shaft is thus rotated and has fixed thereon a bevel gear 158 (Figure 2) meshing with a similar gear 159 fixed on the lower end of shaft 92 which is journaled in a bearing 160 of a bracket 161 supported on the leg of the frame and carrying also a bearing`162 additionally supporting shaft 125. Shaft 92 is held against longitudinal movement in its bearing by the hub of gear 159 and also by a fixed collar 163 above the bearing.

The actuating means for the conveyor is best shown in Figure 2 where shaft 154 is shown extended beyond the end of the frame and provided with a bevel gear 164 driving a similar gear 165 fixed on a shaft 166 extending transversely of the frame and journaled at its ends in bearings 167 on the frame and also in a bearing 168 (Figure 10). This shaft carries a crank arm 169 pivotally connectedwith a link 17 O pivotally and adjustably secured at its opposite end in a slot 171 in one arm of a bell crank lever 172 which is journaled on a shaft 173 journaled in the brackets 29. The opposite arm of the lever carries a pawl 174 cooperating with a ratchet wheel 175 fixed on shaft 17 3 which has fixed thereon also a gear 176 meshing with a gear 177 fixed on a shaft 178 journaled in the outer ends of brackets Shaft 178 has fixed thereon one of the pulleys 27 carrying the conveyor belt and the step-by-step motion of the actuating means, including the pawl and ratchet wheel, transmits a similar movement to the conveyor belt for moving the containers successively, one by one, to and from operating position for the capping operation. 'lhe adjustable connection between link 17() and lever 172 permits of the regulation of the moven'ient of the conveyor so that. the containers may be accurately positioned for engagement with the caps.

The operation of the machine is apparent from the above description. A number of containers having been placed on the conve or and the cap feeding means being supplled with caps, the latter means is moved to place a cap below the chuck which is moved downwardly by the capping mechanism and opened and closed on the'cap, after which the cap is raised to clear the feeding means and the latter is withdrawn. The cap is then moved downwardly by the capping mechanism to engage it with the container and the'yielding or flexible mounting of the capping device facilitates the centering of the cap on the container to provide against any inaccuracies in the container or cap or in the relative locations thereof. The capping device is rotated by the means described as the cap approaches the container, and the spindle which operates the chuck jaws in addition, by means of spring 57 holds the capping device yieldably on its seat on the capping mechanism so that contact between the cap and the container is cushioned to avoid any injury to any of the parts. As the cap is turned home spring 57 and the movable-mounting of the capping device permits the latter to yield as the capping mechanism continues its downward movement and maintains the proper pressure of the cap toward the container. When the cap is turned home or fully engaged the friction clutch 80-81 of the chuck rotating means yields by slipping of the clutch parts. By adjustment of the latter the force necessary to create the slippage, and therefore the force acting to screw the cap on the container, may be regulated to insure the full engagement of the cap with the container to accomplish effective closure of the latter, while at the same time permitting the parts to yield so readily as to avoid injury thereto, The capping operation having been completed, spindle 54 is raised and the chuck disengaged from the cap after which the capping device is raised for a repetition of the operation. At the beginning of the latter, the container clamping foot moves inwardly to hold the container and when the operation is completed the foot is retracted and the conveyor operated to replace the capped container with another for a repetition of the operation.

The simple and compact yet automatic character of the construction and operation of the machine, together with the yielding or flexible operation of the various parts described provides a machine which is rapid and reliable in performance and efficient in results, so that skilled labor is unnecessary and a minimum of attention is required from the operator.

We claim as our invention:

1. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising means for supporting a container in a stationary operating posi-- tion, closure feeding means, closure manipulatlng mechanlsm provided wlthA relatlvely movable parts adapted to grip and carry a closure supplied by said feeding rmeans, actuating means for eecting relative movement of said container supporting means and closure mechanism toward and from each other at said operating position to bring the closure and container together and for effecting relative rotation between said container supporting means and closure gripping parts to attach the closure to the container, and additional means connecting said actuating means and gripping parts for effecting relative movement of the latter to grip and release a closure.

2. A screw capping machine comprising` a conveyor for moving the containers to a* stationary operating position, cap feeding means, capping mechanism stationarily located adjacent said position and provided with relatively movable parts adapted to grip and carry a cap supplied by said cap feeding means, operating means effecting relative movement of said conveyor and capping mechanism toward and from each other, and actuating means effecting relative rotation of said conveyor. and capping mechanism for screwing the cap on the container. i

3. In a container capping machine, a container conveyor, driving means imparting -a step by step movement to said conveyor for moving the containers to operating position, automatic cap feeding means, capping meehanism provided with relatively movable parts adapted to grip and carry a cap supplied by said cap feeding means, operating means effecting relative movement of said conveyor and capping mechanism toward and fromeach other, and actuating means effecting additional relative movement of said conveyor and capping mechanism for securing the cap on the container.

4. In a container capping machine, an intermittently movable conveyor for moving the containers to operating position, container engaging means for holding the containerstationary in operating position, cap feeding means capping mechanism adapted to engage and carry a cap supplied by said feeding means, operating means effecting relative movement of said container engaging means and capping mechanism toward and from each other, and actuating means effecting intermittent rotation, of said capping mechanism for securing the cap on the container.

5. A screw-capping machine adapted to receive containers from a filling mechanism and to cap the same comprising a traveling conveyor for moving the filled containers to operating position, means for clamping a container against rotation in spaced relation with its top to leave the latter unobstructed for application of a cap thereto, actuating means including a resilient element for yieldably actuating said container clamping means to hold a container in o erating position, capping mechanism provi ed with relatively movable parts for engaging a cap,'actua`ting means for effecting said relative movement of said parts to grip and re-` lease a cap, operating means effecting relativemovement of said container clamping means and capping mechanism toward and from each other, and actuating means effecting rotation of'said cap engaging means in'one direction only for screwing a cap on a container.

6. In a container capping machine, a conveyor arranged to support containers with the filling opening uppermost and for moving the containers to operating position, cap feeding means, capping mechanism provided with a cap holding device-adapted to engage and carry a cap, supplied by said feeding means, actuating means for rotating said cap holding device to screw a cap ona container, container clamping means for holding the container against rotation, and operative means effecting relative movement of said capping mechanism and container clamping means toward and from each other.

7. A screw-capping machine adapted to receive containers from a filling mechanism and to secure caps thereon comprising a conveyor adapted to move the filled containers to operating position, means for clamping a container against rotation and below the top thereof to leave the top unobstructed for application of a cap, capping mechanism provided'with a rotatable chuck having relatively movable jaws for screwing a cap on a container, actuating means for effecting said relative movement of said chuck jaws to grip and release a cap, operating means effecting relative reciprocating movement of said capping mechanism and container clamping means toward and from each other, and actuating means for rotating said cap engaging means.

8. In a container capping machine, a conveyorfor moving the containers to operating posit-ion, container engaging means for holding a container against rotation, reciprocating capping mechanism provided with a rotatable cap holding device and actuating means for operating the latter to engage a cap, operative means for reciprocating said capping mechanism, and actuating means for intermittently rotatingsaid cap holding device in the same direction.

9. In a container capping machine, a conveyor for moving the containers to operating position, container engaging means for holding a container against rotation, reciprocating capping mechanism provided With a rotatable cap holding device and actuating means for operating the latter to engage a cap, cap feeding means, operative means for reciprocating said capping mechanism to engage a cap and position the same on a lil() container, and actuating means for rotating said cap holding device to screw the cap on the container.

10. In a container capping machine, a conveyor for moving the containers to and from operating position, capping. mechanism movable toward and from the container, a rotatable chuck on said device, actuating means for operating said chuck to engage and release a cap, container engaging means for holding the Vcontainer against rotation, and yieldable chuck rotating means comprising parts in adjustable frictional engagement adapted to screw the cap on the containeiand to yield by slippage of said parts when the cap is fully engaged.

11. In a container capping machine, supporting and co-nveyiiig means o'rthe container, capping mechanism comprising a cap engaging device, said device being loosely,

carried by said mechanism to adapt it to conform to the position of the container opening, operative means for moving said supporting means and capping mechanism relatively toward and from each other, and means for rotating said cap engaging device to screw a.

cap on the container comprising relatively adjustable frictionally engaging parts adaptedto yield by slipping when the cap is fully engaged on the container.

12. In a container capping machine, snpporting means for the container, a capping mechanism comprising a cap engaging device loosely carried by said mechanism, operative means for moving said supporting means and capping mechanism relatively toward and from each other, actuating means for operating said cap engaging device to engage and release a cap, and means for rotating said cap engaging-device to screw a cap on the container comprising parts in frictional engagement with each other and adapted to yield by slipping when the cap is fully engaged.

13. In a container capping machine, supporting means for the container, a capping mechanism comprising a cap engaging device loosely carried by said mechanism, operative means for moving said supporting means and capping mechanism relatively toward and from each other, actuating means for operating said cap engaging device to engage and release a cap, feeding means for supplying caps to said cap engaging device, and means for yieldably rotating said cap engaging device comprising frictionally engaged parts adapted to slip when the cap is fully engaged.

14. In a container capping machine, re-

'ciprocable capping mechanism provided with a bearing seat, a cap engaging device movably carried on said feat, actuating means yieldably connected with said cap engaging device foroperating the latter to engage and release a cap and holding it on said seat,

ably supported by said rotary member, a.'

movable spindle yieldably connected with said cap engaging means for operating the latter, actuating means for said spindle, and means for yieldably rotating said member for screwing a cap on a container.

16: In a container capping machine, supporting means for the container, capping mechanism movable toward and from said supporting means and comprising cap engaging means movably connected therewith to compensate for varying dimensions in the containers and for centering caps thereon, actuating means for operating said cap engaging means to engage and release a cap and yieldably connected therewith to compensate for varying dimensions in the caps, and actuating means for rotating'said cap engaging means including a connection adapted to yield when the cap is fully engaged.

17. In a container capping machine, supporting meansfor the containers, capping mechanism movable toward and from said supporting means, cap engaging means carried on said mechanism b a yieldable connection providing a centering movement and also va longitudinal yielding movement of said cap engaging means, actuating means dab-ly actuating said cap engaging meansV to engage and release a cap, feeding means comprising -a reciprocating carrier for lsupplying; caps to said cap engaging means, and actuating means for rotating said cap engaging means to screw a cap on a container.

18. In a container capping machine, sup/- 'porting means for the containers, reciproeating capping mechanism, cap engaging means thereon having a centering and also a longitudinal yielding movement from normal position, resilient means tending to maintain said cap engaging means in nor- Inal posit-ion, actuating means yieldably connected with said cap engaging means for operating the latter to engage and release a cap, and'actuating means for yieldably rotating said cap engaging means to screw a cap on a container.

19. In a container capping machine, a frame including supporting means for the containers, reciprocating capping mechanism carried by said frame comprising a rotary member, a cap engaging device yieldably carried by said rotary member, cap gripping jaws on said device, an actuating element having a resilient connection with said jaws for operating the latter to grip a cap and having also a resilient connection with said device for centering and pressing the cap on a container.

Q0. In a container capping machine, a frame including supporting means for the containers, reciprocating capping mechanism carried by said frame comprising a rotary sleeve, a tubular device slidably carried in said sleeve, cap gripping parts on said device, an actuating element recipro#V` eating in said tubular device having a resilient connection with said gripping parts for operating the latter and also a resilient connection with said device for urging the latter yieldingly toward the container.

2l. In a container capping machine, a frame including a supporting means for the container, reciprocating capping mechanism carried by said frame comprising an intermittently rotated shaft, a rotary driving member on said mechanism, a friction clutch between said shaft and driving member, a capping device movably carried on said mechanism and rotated by said driving member, resilient means urging said device yieldably toward a container, cap gripping parts on said device and actuating means having a resilient operating connection with said gripping parts.

22. In a container capping machine, a frame, container supporting means thereon, capping mechanism comprising cap gripping parts, cap carrying means for supplying a cap to said gripping parts, operating means for moving said mechanism toward said carrying means and subsequently toward the container and thence to initial position, actuating means for intermittently moving said carrying means to and from the path of said cap engaging parts, and actuating means for rotating said parts to screw a cap on a container.

23. In a container capping machine, a frame., container supporting means thereon, capping mechanism comprising cap gripping parts, cap carrying means for supplying a cap to said gripping parts, operating means for moving said mechanism toward said carrying means and subsequently toward the container and thence to initial position, actuating means for intermittently moving said carrying means to and from the path of said cap engaging parts, actuating means for rotating said parts to screw a cap on a container and conveying means for moving the containers successively to and from said supporting means.

24. In a container capping machine, container holding means, reciprocating capping mechanism provided with an intermittently rotated cap gripping device, feeding means forsupplyingcaps to said gripping device curing the reciprocation of said mechanism, a rotary cam shaft provided with a plurality of cams for ysaid parts, and o erating connections between said cams an parts.

25.1111 a container capping machine, conhaving a plurality of cams for actuating said' parts` a shaft having a plurality of levers `Vthereon cooperating with said cams, and conncctions between said levers and said parts for operating the latter.

26. A machine for cappingcontainers comprising container conveying means, clamping means for holding a container against rotation with its filling opening uppermost, capping mechanism a chuck provided with relatively movable parts for gripping'the cap, feeding means for supplying caps to said chuck, operating means effect-ing relative reciprocating movement of said support and chuck toward and from each other, and also relative rotation of said support and chuck to apply the cap to the container, and aciditonal connecting means between said operating means and chuck parts for moving the latter relative to one another to grip and release a cap in timed coordination With said movements of said support and chuck.

27. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising means for supporting a container in a stationary operating position, closure feeding means, closurev manipulating mechanism provided with relatively movable parts adapted to grip and carry a closure supplied by said feeding means,ac tuating means for effecting movement of said closure mechanism toward and from said container supporting means at said operating position to bring the closure and container together and for effecting relative rotation between said container supporting means and closure gripping parts to attach the closure to the container, and cam means driven by said actuating means independently of contact with a container and connected with said gripping parts to effect relative movement of the latter to grip and release a closure.

28. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising container supporting means, closure manipulating mechanism provided with relativelymovable closure gripping parts, actuating means for effecting movement of said closure mechanism toward and from said container supporting means and for effecting relative rotation between said container supporting means and closure gripping parts, a cam rotated by said actuating means and connections between said cam and gripping parts for effecting relative movement of the latter to grip and release a closure.

having v `29. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising conveying means for moving a container to and from a stationary operating position, container supporting means adjacent said operating position, closure manipulating mechanism adjacent said operating position provided with relatively movable closure gripping parts, closure feeding means for supplying closures to said mechanism, actuating means for effecting relativereciprocating and also relative rotary movement between said supporting means and mechanism, and additional connecting means between said actuating means and mechanism for effecting relative movement of said gripping parts to grip and release a closure in timed coordination with said movements of `said supporting means and mechanism.

30. A machine for applying screw caps to containers comprising container feeding means, cap feeding means, supporting'means for holding a container against rotation with its filling opening uppermost, cap manipulating mechanism provided with relatively movable cap gripping parts adapted to grip and carry a cap supplied by said cap feeding means, actuating means for moving said cap mechanism toward and from said supporting means to apply the cap to the container and for rotating said closure gripping parts to screw the cap on the container, and a connection between said actuating means and gripping parts effecting relative movement of the latter independently of contact with the container or closure to grip and release a closure.

31. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising means for supporting a container with its filling opening uppel-most, closure feeding means, closure holding means provided with relatively movable gripping parts adapted to grip and carry a closure supplied by said feeding means, actuating means eecting a relative reciprocating movement and also a relative rotary movement of said container supporting means and said closure holding means, and' additional connecting means between said actuating means and gripping parts effecting relative movement of the latter to grip and release a closure in timedv coordination with said movements of said container supporting means and closure holding means..

32. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising means for conveying containers to a stationary operating position, holding means for a container at said operating position, closure engaging means adjacent said operatinor position including a chuck having relatively movable jaws adapted to grip and carry a closure, operating means eecting relative movement of said closure engaging means and container holdin@r means toward and from each other to appzly thev closure tothe container, actuating means effecting relative rotation of said container holding means and closure engaging means to apply the closure to the container, and ladditional means for effecting relative movement of said chuck jaws independently of contact with a container for gripping and releasing a closure in timed coordination with said movements of said container holding and closure engaging means.

33. A machine foriapplying closures to containers comprising conveying means for conveying containers to a stationary operating position, holding means for a container at said operating position, closure engaging means adjacent said operating position adapted to grip and carry a closure, closure feeding means, operating means effecting relative movement of said container holding means and closure engaging means toward and from each other to bring a closure and container together, and actuating means effecting relative rotation of said container holding means and closure engaging means to screw a closure on a container.

34. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising belt means for conveying containers to a stationary operating position, holding means for a container at said operating position, closure engaging means adjacent said operating position adapted to grip and carry a closure, means for actuating said closure engaging means to grip and release a closure, closure feeding means, operating means effecting relative movement of said closure engaging means and container holding means toward and from each other and actuating means effecting relative rotation of said' closure engaging means and container holding means to screw a closure on a container.

35. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising container supporting means, rotary closure engaging means adapted to grip and carry a closure for screwing the latter on a container, reciprocating means for supplying closures to saidengaging means, and operating means effecting relative movement of said container supcontainer clamping means toward and from" each other to apply a closure to a cnntainer,

Iactuating means effecting rotation o f said chuck to apply the closure to the container, and additional means connecting said operating and actuating means with said chuck jaws for effecting relative movement of the latter to grip and release a closure in timed coordination with the reciprocating and rotary movements of said chuck.

37. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising a conveyor for holding a container with its filling opening uppermost and for moving the same to operating position, means for clamping a cogtainer delivered by said conveyor for hol ing the same in operating position, a chuck having relatively movable jaws adapted to grip and release a closure, operating means effecting relative movement of said chuck and container clamping means toward and from each other to locate a closure on a container, actuating means effecting relative rotation of said chuck and container clampin means 'to apply the closure to the container, and additional means connected with said operating and actuating means for moving the chuck jaws to grip and release a closure in timedrelation with the movements of said operating and. actuating means.

38. A machine' for applying closures to containers comprising a conveyor for supporting a container with its filling 'opening uppermost and for moving the same to operating position, container holding means for engaging a container supported on said conveyor for holding the same in operating position, a chuck having relatively movable jaws, closure feeding means for supplying closures to said chuck, operating means effecting relative movement of said chuck and container holding means toward and from each other to apply the closure to the container, .actuating means effecting relative rotation of said chuck and container holding means to apply the closure to the container, and additional means for actuating said chuck jaws to grip a closure supplied by said feeding means and to release the closure after application of the latter to the container.

39. A machine for applying closures to containers comprising means for supporting a container with its filling opening uppermost and for conveying the same to operating position,- means for gripping 'a container delivered by said conveyor means for holding the same in operating positi'on, closure feeding means, closure engaging means, having relatively movable parts adapted to pick up a closure presented thereto by said feeding means, operating means effecting relative reciprocating movement of said container gripping means and closure engaging means toward and from each other to apply the closure to the container, actuating means effecting intermittent relative rotation of said container gripping means and closure engaging means for applying a closure to a container, and additional actuating means for positively effecting relative movement of the parts of said closure engagin means to first grip a closure presented by said feeding means and subsequently release the closure after ap lication to the container.

40. In a macliine for applying closures to containers, the combination of container v supporting means, closure manipulating mechanism comprising a closure engaging device supportedl for fioating movement toconform to the position of the container, operating means for moving said container supporting means and closure engaging device relatively toward and from each other, and ieldable actuating means for effecting relative rotation of said container supporting means and closure engaging device to apply the closure and adapted to yield when the closure is fully applied to the container. f

41. In a machine for applying closures to containers, the combination of container supporting means, closure manipulating mechanism comprising a closure engaging device supported for floating movement to I 42. In a machine for applying closures to containers, the combination of container l supporting means, closure manipulating mechanism comprising a closure engaging device supported for floating movement to conform tothe position of the container, operating means for moving said container supporting means and closure engaging device relatively toward and vfrom each other, and actuating means for effecting yielding intermittent relative rotation between said container supporting means and closure engagingl device comprising intermittently acting positive clutch means and also yieldingclutch means adapted to slip When the closure is fully applied.

4.3. In a machine for applying closures to containers, the combination of container supporting means, closure manipulating mechanism comprising relatively movable closure gripping parts yieldably supporting for lateral movement to conform to the position of the container, operating means for effect-ing relative movement of said container supporting means and gripping parts toward and from each other to bring the closure and container together, a second operating means effecting relative rotation between llt) said container'supporting means and gripping parts to apply the closure com rising a connection adapted to yield when t e closure is fully applied, and additional means connecting one of said operating means and said gripping parts to effect relative movement of the latter to grip and release a closure.

44. In a machine for applying closures to containers, the combinationy with container supporting means of a closure manipulating mechanism comprising a closure engaging` for said device affording lateral yie ding movement to accommodate var1at1ons 1n the` size and position of the container, operating means effecting relative movement of said container supporting means and device toward and from each other, and actuating means effecting relative rotation between said container supporting means and device to apply y connection adapted to yield when the 'closure is fully applied.

45. he combination with a machine for applying closures to containers of a closure manipulating mechanism comprising a rotary closure engaging device, and means supporting said device for yielding movement in the direction of the container to accommodate containers of different sizes/and also for yielding movement laterally of the container to conform to the position of the container.

46. The combination with a machine for applying closures to containers of a closure manlpulating mechanism comprising a device having relatively movable parts for gripping a closure, a container, support means supporting said device for yielding movement in the direction of said container support and also laterally thereof to compensate orvariations in the size and position of the container, a main operating means effecting relative operating movements of said container support and device, and additional means connecting said main operating means and gripping parts to effeet relative movements of the latter to grip and release a closure.

47. A screw capping machine comprising a container support provided with clamping means for holding a container against rotation, capping mechanism provided with a chuck having relatively movable jaws for gripping and carrying a cap, actuating means for effecting said relative gripping movement of the chuck jaws, operating means for reciprocating said chuck to apply a cap carried thereby to a Container, and

Vthe bottle and apply t the4 closure com risin a ieldinv actuating means for rotating said chuck to rotate and screw the cap on the container.

48. In a machineof the class described,

'a bottle cap applying mechanism comprising a cap engaging member, a holder carrying said member with capability of universal said support, a cap presenting member movable to present a cap betwegn said applying member and said bottle and retractible from such position, and means for actuating said members to move said applying member toward said presenting memberto seize a cap thereon,- and then from said presenting member to remove the cap therefrom, to then retract said presenting member, and to then move said applying member toward e cap thereto.

50. In a machine for applying screw closures to containers, a frame, conve ingmeans for moving containers to and om operating position on said frame, resiliently actuated clamping means for holding a container in said operating position, movable closure feeding means, closure applying mechanism comprising a spindle Vmovable longitudinall on said frame and provided with a plurality of gripping parts for carrying a closure, actuating means for moving said closure feeding means toward .and from the path of movement of said gripping parts, operating means for moving said spindle and grippin parts toward and from said closure fee ing means and 'container to receive and apply the closure, and actuating means for rotating said'spindle 'and gripping parts to .screw a closure on the container.

51. Ina machine for applying screw closures to containers, va frame, conveying means for moving containers to and from operating position on said frame, spring actuated clamping means for holding a container in said operating position, movable closure feeding means, closure applying mechanism comprising a spindle movable longitudinally on said frame and provided for moving said spindle and gripping parts toward and from said closure feeding means to grip and carry a closure and subsequently toward the container toapply the closure thereto and thence toinitial position, and

means for rotating said spindle and gripping parts While the closure is applied by the latter to screw the closure onthe container.

52. A machine for applying screw caps to containers comprising conveying means for conveyino' containers to a stationary op- `I erating positlon, container clamping means at said operating position, cap feeding means, capengaging means adjacent said operating position provlded with relatively movable cap gripping parts and movable l0 toward and 4from said feeding means to grip and carry away a cap, operating means effecting relative movement of said container clamping means and cap engaging means toward and from each other tobi-ing the cap and container together, and actuating means effecting relative rotation of said container clamping means and cap engaging means to screw the cap on the container.

THEODORE E. PENNOCK. MAHLON H. GREGG. 

